Apparatus and methods for treating cervical inter-vertebral discs
US7393351B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/2493
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for treating an inter-vertebral disc by ablation, coagulation, shrinking, stiffening, or other treatment of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the inter-vertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. An apparatus of the invention includes an electrosurgical probe, an introducer needle adapted for passing the distal end of the probe therethrough, and a positioning unit for monitoring a position of the probe in relation to the introducer needle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.